Europe snowstorm grounds city’s vacation travellers

The snowstorm that has engulfed Europe has grounded Thane resident Kumar Rangtani in London. The drug wholesaler's flight to Berlin was cancelled on Sunday.

The snowstorm that has engulfed Europe has grounded Thane resident Kumar Rangtani in London. The drug wholesaler's flight to Berlin was cancelled on Sunday. “The hotel in Berlin has refused to refund the advance. He has been forced to spend extra for his extended stay at London,” said Gulab, Kumar's brother.

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Erratic weather has dampened Christmas vacations for thousands of travellers like Rangtani. Most airline call centres were jammed on Sunday. Getting through to tour operators was also a hassle as most of them were busy re-negotiating deals.

The Marus, a London-based Indian couple, have lost a holiday worth Rs2 lakh to Mumbai and Colombo courtesy the massive snowstorm. The couple was to arrive in Mumbai on Saturday but their Kingfisher Airline flight from London's Heathrow Airport was diverted to Brussels.